The great-grandson of the founder of Scientology has made the stunning revelation that celebrities are kept apart from the “nastier aspects” of the controversial religion and are able to move up its hierarchy much faster than other members.

DeWolf also blasted Scientology as a “cult” based on “devious systematic brainwashing systems.”

In his interview with host Cenk Uygur, DeWolf revealed how the Church draws people in. He said: “A lot of it preys on narcissism. A lot of Scientology’s opening hooks to you is [sic] that it’s like a pyramid of self-mastery and as you move up…you’re going to reach this level of God-like status.

“You’re going to have telepathy and telekinesis, be able to move through space and time and…you’re going to be able to free yourself from this sci-fi imprisonment.”

DeWolf – whose grandfather was Hubbard’s son Ronald DeWolf – also claimed that once the Church of Scientology has enticed a person to join they are encouraged to stay via “electrified hypnosis,” “brutal security” and a “CIA-like structure” that becomes “intoxicating to people.”

“It works through a lot of hodgepodge ideas that you throw together,” he said.

“I think it’s one of the most brilliant and devious systematic brainwashing systems that’s ever been invented. No one’s ever accused my great-grandfather of being an idiot.”